Rhia nodded and they grabbed her bags, and walked down the stairs together.
Her leg wasn’t hurting her as badly as she would have thought, and she was grateful. After that long walk last night, she would have thought her leg wouldn’t want to hold her weight this day. But, it was still early, so she would take the good for right now.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, they had to walk through the common room that was filled with people from the village. This morning it had been very early when he had come to find her, and the place had been empty. Aidan took a deep breath and led Rhia forward.
Rhia heard his intake of breath and looked up at him with confusion on her beautiful face. “Are you all right Aidan?” she whispered and he nodded, not speaking.
She looked around the room and noticed how quiet it had gotten from the moment they had stepped into the room. People were whispering and staring at Aidan as if he was going to grow a second head or fangs.
They walked past some people at a table and Rhia heard the whisper of the person that was sitting there. “Look at the beast! He came out of his castle to take that poor young woman as a sacrifice.”
She turned to look at him, shocked, when she heard another person speak. “His face is even more hideous up close. We might need to burn down the tavern so that it won’t be infected by his evil.”
Rhiannon couldn’t believe her ears. They were speaking so horribly about Aidan it hurt her heart. Well, that would be the last time they did that. These horrible people needed to be taught that they didn’t treat people this way.
She pulled Aidan to a stop and put her hands on her hips, and to the room she said, “What is wrong with all of you? How dare you people speak about him this way? He is a peer of the realm and also the person who owns the land you live on. He has never treated the people in this town unfairly, or given you any reason for you to treat him this way. His father may have, yes. But, him? No, not even a little bit. He has been nothing but good to you horrible people even though you don't deserve it. You should be ashamed of yourselves. This man is kind and loving. He would give you the shirt off his back, his food from his plate and every bit of energy he has to help you sorry lot, and yet you treat him like he has taken every single penny you have, set fire to each person’s home and beaten the children and your wives. You don’t deserve his generosity, or his company any longer. I bid you good day.” She was fuming as she went to take a step, but Aidan stopped her this time.
She looked up at him and he was staring down at her in shock. “What?” she said, “They need to learn the truth and to see it. I won’t have you treated this way any longer. It isn’t fair to you or your family, Aidan. They don’t deserve to have these people hurt them in any way. Not if I have anything to say about it. Too afraid to even see the most wonderful man who lives his life to help others. I won’t stand for it.”
Aidan smiled at her and brought her hand up to kiss it. “So ferocious in your protectiveness my love. Let me try to talk to them.” He turned to survey the room. The people had gone completely silent and were staring at Rhia in shock.
“I would like to formally introduce myself. I am Aidan St. Andrew, the Duke of Ablewood. I know most of you know who I am, by either word of mouth or by reputation. I am not what people say about me. I am not a beast ready to kidnap your children, and I wasn’t cursed by a witch to look this way. The only curse I had was having my father as my father. He was the one who people should have feared. For good reason. And I understand your fear. Thinking I could be the same, but I am nothing like him, and neither is my brother Cole. We are simple men, who have simple desires. None of which is to harm anyone who lives here or anyone else. I wish you would let me help you in this village. I know my father was not a good man. Trust me, I know better than anyone. That is beside the point though.”
He waved his hand and everyone in the room remained silent as he kept speaking, mesmerized by him.
“I want to let you know that I want to help. In any capacity that I can. So does my family. My mother and sisters are healers; they are better than most of the doctors out there and know more than most do, and if anyone is in need of healing, they would love to help you. They are good women, some of the very best around. My brother and I also want to help. If there is a field that needs to be plowed, we can help you to plow it. If you need a place to stay and have fallen on hard times, you are more than welcome to come stay in my home. You can stay for as long as you need. No harm will befall you while you are there. You will be treated like an honored guest and would probably get sick of our hospitality.”
Aidan chuckled and Rhia heard someone softly do the same.
“If you need employment, we can employ you. And I swear on my life and that of my family, that no one will harm you while you work for me. My staff is treated with nothing but dignity and respect. They are part of my family as much as my own flesh and blood family is.” He stopped and looked around the room.
“I only want what’s best for this village and the people who live and work here. I hope that one day you can come to accept me as Aidan. That you will see me as someone to talk with, to share stories with, and know that I am always here to lend a hand. And one day possibly I hope that I can be called a dear friend. I am here to serve you in any capacity, if you let me. I am not better than you, nor do I feel that way. Thank you.”
The room had stayed silent, and Aidan sighed. He knew that nothing he said would make a difference, but hearing Rhia come to his defense made him finally decide to say something.
Next time he would just leave it be. He should have learned that lesson by now.
He guided Rhia away with an arm around her slender waist, and walked toward the front door for a few steps when he felt a touch on the arm that wasn’t around Rhia.
He looked down and saw that a man had stopped him. The proprietor of the inn. Aidan raised an eyebrow, and the man held out his hand to Aidan.
Aidan was shocked to say the least, and held his hand out in turn. They shook hands and the man said, “Hello your Grace. My name is Lucas Granger, and I own this establishment. Everything you just said made me decide that we have been too hard on you. I want to tell you that I apologize for the way we have treated you in the last few years. You didn’t deserve it and it was wrong of us. I know that now, and learned that lesson too late. It should never have come to this.” Lucas shook his head, and Aidan could see regret cross his features.
“I hope you know that you are welcome in my inn anytime, and that goes for your family as well. We will do everything in our power to say hello when you come to town.” He grimaced and looked down for a minute and then back up at Aidan.
“My lord, were you serious about your mother and sisters being healers? My daughter is very sick, and we have seen many doctors. Nothing and no one has ever helped her. They have taken our coin, but none have been able to heal my sweet girl. And we don’t have the funds for more doctors. They have taken everything from us, except our home. Can they help us? I don’t want to lose my little girl. Not my little Dove. Please. I will do anything.”
Aidan put his hand on Lucas’s shoulder. “My mother would love that more than anything. She has hoped that someone would be able to use her talents. We don’t need a thing from you Lucas. Just take care of your daughter. I will send my mother as soon as I can.”
Lucas’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you. Oh, thank you my lord.”
Aidan shook his head, “I am simply Aidan to you.”
Lucas smiled, “Thank you Aidan. And you, young lady, you are a miracle worker for opening our eyes.”
He held his hand out to Rhia and when she put her hand in his, he kissed the back of it.
Rhia blushed and squeezed his hand, “Thank you Lucas. I hope that Lydia can help your daughter. Please let us know if you need anything else.”
They went to leave and a few more people came up to Aidan to apologize and by the time they left the village, Aidan’s heart was soaring. He
had come here to claim his woman, which he did. But not only that, he had finally won over the villagers.
He smiled the entire way back to his home. For the first time since he could remember, the villagers treated him like a person, not someone to be feared. He could hardly believe it.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Aidan
Northumberland, England Sept 1812
They made it back to the house quickly. Their trip was quiet and uneventful. And Aidan loved once again riding his horse with his love in his lap and nestled in his arms. He had been smiling until they walked in the front door.
Katarina was the first person they saw when they got inside the foyer. “What is she doing back here? I thought she finally realized she wasn't wanted and left.”
Aidan sighed, and Rhia reached up to soothe him. Touching his face and letting him know she wasn’t going anywhere. But, Rhia didn’t realize her ring was on full display.
Aidan was tired, still mad at Katarina for her hateful words and things that almost drove Rhia away, but when he felt Rhia reach up to touch his face, he calmed, and tried to say, “Katarina,” but Katarina cut him off with a screech that brought several of the guests from the ball, into the entryway.
Katarina looked up at Aidan with fire in her eyes. She was breathing hard, and before Aidan knew what was about to happen, she had come up to Rhia and slapped her hard across the face.
Rhia gasped in pain and put a hand up to stop the sting on her cheek.
Aidan stood there, stunned. He literally had no words. But it was catching up to him now.
Katarina screamed up at him, “You are engaged to this whore? This crippled no one girl? How dare you do this to me? In front of all these people? Everyone here knew you were supposed to announce our engagement! Since we are supposed to be betrothed. You cannot marry her! This horrible, ugly, upstart crippled wench will never be accepted by the ton. That ring was supposed to be mine! The title as well! This stupid girl cannot handle the responsibilities of duchess. She can barely even walk straight. How do you expect her to be the one to stand at your side? She was not built for this life. Couldn’t handle a simple ball before running scared last night and you think she can be your Duchess? You were supposed to marry me!!!”
She screamed that last part out and Aidan took a deep breath. He stepped forward, making Katarina back up. His anger now full on rage as he listened to Katarina once again insult the love of his life. That would never happen again. As long as he lived.
He was beyond pissed. “Katarina you make the mistake of speaking to Rhiannon that way. Again. But, you went one step too far this time. You dared strike the woman I am to marry? The future Duchess of Ablewood?” His voice was low with menace, and he knew his face was a mask of pure fury, he was seething inside.
“I have told you on numerous occasions that she is to be treated with respect. And now that she is going to be my Duchess, she should be treated with nothing less than the respect she deserves.” Aidan was breathing hard, so furious he was shaking.
“I would never marry you. Even if you were the last woman to walk this earth, I would live alone for the rest of my days. I would rather give up the title, my home and my name first. We were never betrothed, nor promised to the other. My mother wouldn’t allow it. Not then when we were children, and most certainly not now. You are spoiled and hateful and spew poison wherever you go. You don’t act like a Lady and there is no way I would let you ever become the duchess. Not with how you act then and now. I want nothing more to do with you further. I warned you. And you didn’t listen. Well, you better listen now.” He took a step closer to her, and she backed up further.
“The only thing I want you to do right now is get your guests, your mother and your staff and GET. THE. FUCK. OUT. OF. MY. HOUSE!!!!!” He yelled the last part and Katarina flinched and so did several guests.
“You are not welcome here any longer, and I am going on step further, since you couldn’t keep your damn mouth shut. I am evicting you and your mother from your townhome in London. I never want to see you, or your mother again. For as long as I live. Leave to the continent, go to America, I care not where you go as long as it isn’t in England. If you stay here, I will know, and you will be forcibly put on a ship bound for India or Australia. And from this moment on, I am no longer paying your bills or supporting you in any way. You are to be left with nothing but the clothes on your back. I will be having a member of my staff pack everything you own and it will be going to a charity. I tried to warn you Katarina. Truly. I warned you several times over. You just didn't want to listen. But now you will see just how truly heartless I can be. I should have sent you away the first time you spoke to Rhia the way you did. But she convinced me to let the ball continue. Let's see if she will forgive this or what she overheard at the ball?”
He looked at Rhia, and she shook her head. “She went too far this time Aidan. Do what you need to.” Aidan gave her a grim smile, and Rhia said, “I would be more careful of how you speak to people in the future Katarina.”
Katarina's face lost all color. She opened and closed her mouth, but no sound came out.
Koryn stepped forward, and the people that were standing around had started whispering and tittering behind their hands. “Aidan, surely, this isn’t necessary. Katarina is just shocked. She has every right to be upset. She thought you were marrying her. My brother assured me before his death that the two of you were to be betrothed and he had the contract that said so. You should have known this was to happen. That was the plan and the only reason why we threw the ball in the first place. And to have you come here with another woman on your arm is too much. You should know that she won't just let this be. The title is supposed to go to Katarina. And will if the contract he signed means anything.”
Aidan looked at Koryn like she had grown a second head. “I care not if my father signed a contract for me. I will not uphold it and you needed to have both my mother and father’s signatures to make it legal and binding. She would have never signed something like that. Especially to your daughter. Isn’t that right mother?” Aidan turned to Lydia who shook her head, “I didn’t sign anything, and even if it was legal, Aidan has the right to break the contract. You have nothing here to stand on Koryn. Nothing.”
Aidan gave his mother a grateful look and turned back to his aunt, “I have said before and will say it again, I will never and would never marry Katarina. She isn't the person I want now or ever. And hearing now that everyone knew we were engaged when we weren't nor have, we ever been makes it worse. You came here under false pretenses and I won't stand for it. Get out of my sight and get everyone out of my house right now. Be grateful all I am doing is evicting you. Because I really should go to London and ruin you. I am happy that this will get out to all of society. You ruined yourself because of your greed and selfish ways.”
“But, Aidan, it was a simple mistake. And a small lie. The scandal from this is going to be too much to bear. Aidan, we will be ruined for this. Our name forever tainted and mocked and now this? You cannot just have us thrown out of our home. How are we supposed to get money?”
Aidan shook his head, “I care not Koryn. You both have pushed me too far. I tried to let it all go. Truly, I did Koryn, but you both refused to listen. I will not go unheard, now will I? Now you cannot question me or my words and meanings. I will not tell you or your guests again, to leave my house. You have two hours to get your things and leave my sight or you won’t like the consequences if you stay longer. Get the FUCK OUT NOW!”
The people jumped and started heading to their rooms, all of them talking about the scene they witnessed.
Katarina was sobbing and Aidan turned to her, and with a low growl of menace after the guests had dispersed said, “Were you a man I would have called you out for slapping the love of my life. You will never be welcome in any household that belongs to this family again. I will let all of the staff in each house know that you are never to enter after you have gone and packed your thin
gs. I will only allow you to pack your things and then you will be forced to leave.” He looked at his aunt.
“You should probably find a job Koryn. That is how you earn money. How you will care for yourself. If you think you will face too much scandal, I will pay for you to leave to America. I am sure no one would have heard about this there.”
Katarina gave a screech of “OOH!” her tears instantly dried up, she looked at Aidan and said, “You will regret this. Make no mistake, I will be the Duchess. What I said at the ball should have been the truth. It should be me. Even if the Duke isn't you.”
Then she turned and stomped up the stairs, screaming and throwing a fit the entire way. Koryn was wringing her hands, “Aidan, please, please don’t do this. We cannot survive. Not like that. I beg you not to do this. I will get her to apologize. I swear. Do not ruin us over this paltry thing. Please Aidan.”
Aidan put his hand up to stop her. “You and Katarina brought this on yourselves. She has been nothing but a bitch since she walked in my house. Same as you. You set up this entire ball with one thing in mind. It's all been one huge lie after another. And now that everything has come to light, I wish I had done this sooner. Trying to get your daughter a title through these games is not the thing to do. I won't play them. Have never played them. And neither will Cole.” He stared Koryn down when she tried to protest him. His hand still up to silence her pleas.
“You have been rude to Rhia, accusing her of being my mistress and or Cole’s, without knowing who she was or where she came from. Katarina has also been rude to Rhia on more than one occasion and when Rhia overheard that conversation last night Katarina had, it was too much and Rhia left. I would have tried to forgive that trespass, yet again, but for Katarina to cause such a scene and to hit the love of my life? That I cannot forgive. And will never forget. I am done supporting you, and your lifestyle. You need to figure out something for yourself. Because, I will not be funding anything other than you leaving the country. What you did was reprehensible and degrading. To treat Rhia and me with such disrespect is unforgivable. I no longer care if you want or need my help. This isn't the place to get it any longer. I want you out of this house and your own as soon as possible. Find something to do in the meantime because you will never receive money from me again.”
The Duke Who Loved Me Page 32